Kelley Andary, owner of Blue Berry Cafe in Kettering, said they use about 30 cases of eggs a week and the price has jumped from $20 to nearly $100. “We’re probably spending about $900 extra a week on just eggs,” Andary said.

Between January 2022 and November 2024, 1,200 bird flu outbreaks were identified across 48 states, according to a Wildlife Management Institute report.

“While we hope these price fluctuations will be short-lived we cannot predict how long this shortage will last,” Waffle House said in a statement. “We are continuously monitoring egg prices and will adjust or remove the surcharge as market conditions allow.”

Waffle House became one of the first big chains to join smaller restaurants with surcharges for egg dishes. Economists don’t see near-term relief on egg prices.